Meet Trailblazer Becky Lauridsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Lauridsen.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Becky. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Country girl at heart here. Born and raised in Craig, CO (northwest corner of Colorado) and competed in rodeo all my life. Even ended up on a rodeo scholarship down to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Here, I received my bachelor in Psychology and found out quickly how much I love all things related to psychology… but what do you do with a bachelor’s in psych? So, I did the only thing I knew I could, started a Master’s program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. My husband and I moved down to San Antone and loved every bit of it.

In 2013, I graduated with a 4.0 and received my Master’s in Community Counseling. At this time, we decided to move closer to home to raise a family we were only dreaming about. Gratefully, I received a job offer in Cheyenne at a private practice doing counseling primarily with kids in foster care. At that time, I truly loved it. I was grateful to be a positive role model and offer a safe space to process the circumstances they were in. But, I am an overachiever and desperately needed to get a handle on my student loans, so I took on way too many cases and quickly burnt myself out just three years into my career. At this time, we welcomed our first daughter into the world and I quickly realized living this lifestyle and working too much wasn’t going to be conducive to raising this precious baby. So, I did what every rational person would do… I quit! Let my license expire and decided to join a direct sales company! Ha. Funny looking back and realizing just how irrational that truly was.

After about three years of successful work in direct sales, I still had this deep yearning for mental health. Not traditional mental health, I wanted to create something different, something better, something new! Which is what led me to create IOME.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s this picture of what we think success looks like… a straight line, slowly progressing upward to the finish line. Ha! Then, there’s the picture of what success actually looks like… lots of ups and downs and loops all around! I think my biggest challenge thus far is being patient with the process. Understanding that I am building an empire and that takes time. I am often reminded and honestly having to force myself to slow down, look at the success that has happened, and be thankful for the path I am on.

One thing I would remind everyone; there really is no such thing as a failure. I have made plenty of mistakes through this venture but I don’t let myself get wrapped up in the “what I should have done…”. Instead, I am thankful for the mistake because now I know that it didn’t work and I simply won’t do it again. It’s all part of the process.

The other major obstacle I find myself facing is the naysayers. Growing up in a very “9 to 5” work environment, I don’t get a lot of support from some of the closest people to me. Some just simply don’t understand the entrepreneurial spirit and I’ve had to come to realize that this is a-okay. I cannot stress enough importance on finding the people who do understand and who will challenge you, lift you up, and believe in you. Once you find them, keep them close to you.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about IOME Guilt Free Self Care – what should we know?
I’m the founder of IOME. It’s an I Owe Me instead of an I Owe You. Offering Guilt Free Self Care by providing discounted self-care services and products. Anything from mental health counseling, massage therapy, nutritional support, gym memberships, lash extensions, date night packages, and SO MUCH MORE!

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, it became alarmingly clear just how important consistent self-care is. Self Care is Preventative Care! I am not just talking about a bubble bath and a glass of wine (although that is nice!), I am talking about the uncomfortable self-care; counseling, waking up early to journal, saying no, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Through IOME, we can prevent the signs of depression from turning into depression. Prevent anxiety symptoms from turning into panic attacks. Prevent little aches and pains from turning into chronic pain. Prevent work stress from burning out completely.

Part of the mission of IOME is to decrease the mental health stigma by offering counseling services more consistently and easier to access. Each IOME member gets assigned to a Trained Supporter (licensed mental health provider) and from there they are able to develop a relationship and understand how therapy can support their overall wellness goals. I am proud to say the majority of our members are indeed utilizing our mental health counseling services and reaping the benefits greatly!

One on one is what sets us apart. There are a million self-help books, podcasts, inspirational speakers and more. But what are these missing? The opportunity for you to share YOUR story, discuss your needs and wants. Based on this, IOME creates individualized goals and our Trained Supporters hold YOU accountable to these goals with weekly check-ins and monthly accountability sessions.

Once the member starts to experience regular and consistent self-care, she starts realizing that self-care is indeed a necessity, not just a luxury. She realizes that she is a better wife, mom, partner, coworker, friend, etc. Creating GUILT FREE self-care!

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Anything from Ali Worthington! She has a few great books and a wonderful podcast! Christy Wright is another powerhouse in the women’s business support arena.

Pricing:

• $85 Standard IOME Membership – assigned to a Trained Supporter, individualized goals, weekly check-ins, monthly accountability sessions, event invitation, and access to our discounted partners!

Contact Info:

• Address: 4745 E Boardwalk Unit C3
  Fort Collins, CO 80525
• Website: www.iowemenow.com
• Phone: 970-658-5598
• Email: becky@iowemenow.com
• Instagram: @iowemenow
• Facebook: iowemenow

Image Credit:
For the West and Wild, My Roots Photography

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